Many are familiar with the community of Jews who took refuge in Shanghai during the Second World War, and have visited the old synagogue and memorial museum. But few are aware that the history of the Jews in China spans more than a millennium, dating back to the 9th century when Jews from Iraq, Iran, and India journeyed via the Silk Road to the Middle Kingdom. From Silk Road traders, to Shanghai trading houses, to refugees from first Imperial Russia and then Nazi Germany seeking safety in the East, China has played an impactful role in the spread of the Jewish diaspora.

In this talk, Dan Krassenstein will explore the five main waves of Jewish migration to China, from the ancient Kaifeng Jews to the thousands of Jews who have moved to China for various opportunities, making up a rich and diverse community in Shanghai.

Speakers

Daniel Krassenstein

Daniel

Krassenstein

Global Supply Chain Director of Procon Pacific

Dan is a global supply chain executive with 30 years of international manufacturing and logistics experience. He earned his Master in Global Supply Chain Management from USC Marshall and is an adjunct professor at UCLA, University of Dayton and SJTU Antai - with a focus on Doing Business in Asia and Asia Supply Chain.

As Director of Asia Operations for Procon Pacific (industrial packaging), Dan is responsible for production facilities throughout China, Vietnam and India. He has served on several boards and executive committees; including AmCham Shanghai, US DOS Overseas Security Advisory Council and the USC Marshall Global Supply Chain Center, writes for the Journal of Commerce and often lectures to congressional delegations on operations in China.